Hanover elementary bus driver accused of DUI with students on board
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A bus driver with Hanover County Public Schools is accused of driving under the influence (DUI) while taking elementary students home after school on Friday. At about 3:44 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, deputies with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office were called to Laurel Meadow Elementary School for report of "a bus driver allegedly suffering from a medical issue." When they arrived, deputies met said bus driver -- 68-year-old Danny Ray Spence of Henrico County -- who they said was slurring his words and smelt of alcohol. The aid on Spence's bus reportedly stopped Spence in the middle of his after-school route when they "realized something was wrong," according to the office. While some students had already been dropped off, others remained on the bus. The aid then drove the bus back to the school safely. "Spence was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital out of an abundance of caution for any possible medical issue," the office said. 4-year-old boy mauled by dogs, King and Queen babysitter charged A spokesperson for the sheriff's office told 8News that, at the hospital, Spence was evaluated and no medical issue was found. After Spence was discharged, he was taken to Pamunkey Regional Jail. He has been charged with misdemeanor DUI and felony child endangerment. The office said that this investigation remains active. As of the time of reporting, authorities are working with the school division to identify the students who were on Spence's bus so their parents may be notified of what happened. "The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Hanover County Public Schools and School Transportation for their assistance, specifically, the school employee who took swift action to return the bus safely to Laurel Meadow Elementary School," the office said. If you have any information on this incident, you are asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff's Office at 804-365-6140.
VENN
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A bus driver with Hanover County Public Schools is accused of driving under the influence (DUI) while taking elementary students home after school on Friday.
At about 3:44 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, deputies with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office were called to Laurel Meadow Elementary School for report of "a bus driver allegedly suffering from a medical issue."
When they arrived, deputies met said bus driver -- 68-year-old Danny Ray Spence of Henrico County -- who they said was slurring his words and smelt of alcohol.
The aid on Spence's bus reportedly stopped Spence in the middle of his after-school route when they "realized something was wrong," according to the office. While some students had already been dropped off, others remained on the bus. The aid then drove the bus back to the school safely.
"Spence was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital out of an abundance of caution for any possible medical issue," the office said.
4-year-old boy mauled by dogs, King and Queen babysitter charged
A spokesperson for the sheriff's office told 8News that, at the hospital, Spence was evaluated and no medical issue was found.
After Spence was discharged, he was taken to Pamunkey Regional Jail. He has been charged with misdemeanor DUI and felony child endangerment.
The office said that this investigation remains active. As of the time of reporting, authorities are working with the school division to identify the students who were on Spence's bus so their parents may be notified of what happened.
"The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Hanover County Public Schools and School Transportation for their assistance, specifically, the school employee who took swift action to return the bus safely to Laurel Meadow Elementary School," the office said.
If you have any information on this incident, you are asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff's Office at 804-365-6140.
